In our final episode for season 6 of the Social Change Diaries Podcast, Communications Strategist and Wakeman Agency CEO, Vanessa Wakeman, sits in the interviewee chair, sharing her latest insights. In conversation with Camaro West, Executive Director of Peace is Loud, a nonprofit that uses the power of storytelling to advance gender justice, Vanessa digs into how narratives are formed during times of uncertainty.

Examining who holds the power to tell them, and why language, ownership, and resilience matter so deeply in the work of social change, she also reflects on what we can learn from past organizing eras, how philanthropy influences which stories rise to the surface, and the moments when shifting a narrative changes the direction of an issue or campaign.

LISTEN TO SEASON 6 EPISODE 7

In a fascinating conversation, Vanessa sits down with Courtney Lewis, Chief of Growth Programs at the Institute for Nonprofit News, an organization that works with over 500 news organizations committed to public service. Their conversation explores how nonprofit news is different, the ethical standards that stem from seeking to serve audiences as a primary goal, and concrete examples of how these newsrooms are making information useful for their audiences.

LISTEN TO SEASON 6 EPISODE 6

What are the most powerful tactics in storytelling for social change? How can we ensure that we choose winning words, when framing messages to prompt action?

In this discussion, Vanessa sits down with Anat Shenker-Osorio, Principal and Founder of ASO Communications. Their conversation examines how social change communicators can bring narratives to life to better our understanding of key issues, for increased impact and meaningful, transformative change.

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How does storytelling change when communities are determining the narrative?

In this discussion, Vanessa sits down with Amanda Zamora, Founder & Principal of Agencia Media, a consultancy that partners with organizations to drive narrative change and civic engagement, especially with, and for, communities of color. Their conversation explores why nonprofits are perfectly placed to amplify important stories in our current media environment, and why leading with community is the key.

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How can social change actors use storytelling to change culture through narratives? What makes narrative change more possible? How can movements, companies, and leaders of all kinds intentionally work through pop culture to drive change within society?

In this episode of the Social Change Diaries Podcast, we dive into these questions in conversation with Bridgit Antoinette Evans, CEO of Pop Culture Collaborative. The discussion explores the ways the power of storytelling can be used to tackle deeply held beliefs, language as a medium of cultural production, and navigating narrative oceans.

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In this important conversation, Vanessa is joined by Tracie Powell, CEO and Founder of The Pivot Fund, which works to shift power through equitable journalism funding by investing in independent community-led news organizations.

LISTEN TO SEASON 6 EPISODE 2

Just how influential are algorithms in shaping stories? In this episode, we dive into this question and more. Our guest, Dr. Safiya U. Noble, author of Algorithms of Oppression: How Search Engines Reinforce Racism, discusses the impact of algorithmic injustice. She unpacks the hidden biases built into the platforms we use daily. This conversation sheds light on why reclaiming the power to tell our own stories is essential in the digital age.

LISTEN TO SEASON 6 EPISODE 1